We are all genetically predisposed to hair thinning and loss at some point in our lives. Male and female pattern baldness affects the overwhelming majority of us. While environmental factors impact the potential for hair loss and can potentially escalate or delay the onset, it eventually catches up with us with age.
Male and female pattern baldness are not the only ways one can be predisposed to hair loss, unfortunately. There are certain autoimmune diseases that can cause hair loss… one of the most well-known being alopecia areata. Other autoimmune diseases can lead to hair loss as well, including ones that are linked more directly to your thyroid.
Can Thyroid Problems Affect Your Hair?
Thyroid problems can absolutely affect your hair. That is because your thyroid is an endocrine gland, which means it produces endocrine hormones that are vital to hair growth.
Disruption to the thyroid’s normal output of hormones can cause over or under-production, and can lead to hair loss – as well as completely halting hair growth from some follicles. If caught early, it is possible to adjust the thyroid’s output through medication and continue normal, healthy hair growth.
One problem that can come from thyroid medication is that some can cause hair loss themselves. If you feel that your hair loss is not reversing (or even increasing), talk to your healthcare provider about changing medications or other options on how to treat your thyroid.
What Does Hair Look Like With Hypothyroidism?
When it comes to an underactive thyroid, in addition to experiencing hair loss, you will find that the hairs themselves are affected. This manifests in the hair on your scalp becoming drier and more easily broken as the natural oils – that give your hair luster – are less present. You will likely find more split ends in addition to excessive shedding.
What Does Hair Look Like With Hyperthyroidism?
While the hair is somewhat similar with hypothyroidism as it is hyperthyroidism, you are actually more likely to experience hair loss from hyperthyroidism. It is also important to note that hair shedding and loss related to hormone production from the thyroid may manifest months before other symptoms of thyroid disorders are noticeable. If you feel that you are experiencing excessive hair shedding or loss, you should talk to your healthcare provider before you run the risk of it becoming permanent.
RHRLI Treats A Wide Range of Hair Loss Causes
While many are able to regrow their hair if their thyroid disorder is treated in a timely manner, some will face permanent hair loss. Regardless of the cause, we are here to help. The team at RHRLI utilizes the minimally invasive ARTAS® Robotic Hair Transplant System, a procedure that produces exceptional results and will get you back to your day-to-day life in just a few days. We also provide lifestyle advice to help keep your hair healthy and strong for many years to come. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help to restore your hair and your confidence.